Micky van de Ven Double Halts The Toffees' Run at Brand New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial defender to score two goals in a Premier League game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender heads home twice in first half

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in 89th minute

  • This loss is Everton's initial at their new ground

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the tally five minutes after the defender's opener, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of excellent stops to ensure the London club went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to review the goal on the screen and the official decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's side up to third in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton stay in 14th position and are half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils role at both ends of the field

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a only attempts on goal, the manager chose the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his next goal in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defensive duties, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton missing striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have worn off slightly and fans flocked to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a major worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of recognised centre-forwards - had scored just a single goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to add to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy night on in Liverpool.

The striker's form was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, even with having room and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, too, was unable to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of chance. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly whipped threatening balls into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.

Thomas Short
Thomas Short

Elara Vance is a seasoned gaming analyst specializing in online casino reviews and responsible gambling practices across the UK market.